Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Tilburg
As a flex worker in Tilburg, such as a temp from a local agency or on-call worker in hospitality on Tilburg's Heuvelstraat, you fall ill and receive no continued pay? You may then qualify for sickness benefits (ZW) from the UWV. This safety net provides financial support during your period of illness, provided you meet the conditions. In this article, we outline the rules with Tilburg-specific examples and practical advice, including tips for assistance from the Legal Aid Desk Tilburg.
What do Sickness Benefits (ZW) mean for flex workers in Tilburg?
Sickness benefits (ZW) form part of the employee insurance schemes and are governed by the Sickness Act. They apply to ill employees without continued pay from their employer. For flexible workers in Tilburg—such as payrollers or seasonal workers in textiles or logistics—this is common due to temporary contracts without a continued pay obligation.
Unlike permanent jobs with at least 70% continued pay in the first two years of illness (Article 7:629 Dutch Civil Code), the UWV steps in. Read more in our overview Sickness Benefits: everything about ZW.
Legal framework specific to flex work in Tilburg
Key legislation:
- Sickness Act (ZW), Articles 16-29: determines your entitlement to benefits.
- SUWI: framework for UWV schemes.
- WW: During unemployment benefits (WW) and illness, 'double ZW' (ZWG) applies.
- Dutch Civil Code Article 7:629: Limited continued pay for flex contracts, e.g., via the ABU collective agreement for temps in Tilburg.
For temp work without recent payslips, the UWV often applies the AOW resident daily wage reference.
Conditions for ZW as a flex worker in Tilburg
You qualify if you meet these requirements:
- Employment history: Worked in the 36 weeks prior to illness, e.g., at a Tilburg temp agency.
- Disability: More than 35% work disabled (UWV insurance physician).
- No pay: Less than 70% continued pay from employer.
- Residence: In the Netherlands, such as Tilburg, or an EEA country.
Tilburg example: Lisa is an on-call worker at a café on Paleisring. She reports sick during her shift. No pay from the boss, so she successfully applies to the UWV based on her daily wage.
ZW by type of flex worker in Tilburg
| Type of flex worker | ZW entitlement | Tilburg example |
|---|---|---|
| Temp worker | Yes, without pay from agency | Ill while awaiting assignment at Tilburg logistics firm: UWV pays benefits. |
| On-call worker | Yes, during on-call period | Contract ends: ZW if sufficient work history. |
| Payroller | Limited, check collective agreement | Employer often continues pay; otherwise ZW via UWV. |
| Self-employed (ZZP) | No, opt for VWG | No ZW, but voluntary sickness benefits for self-employed available. |
Rights and obligations under ZW in Tilburg
Rights:
- 70-91% of daily wage (91% in year 1, 70% thereafter).
- UWV reintegration support, possibly local via Municipality of Tilburg.
- Dismissal protection after 2 years of illness.
Obligations:
- Reporting: Within 2 days to employer and UWV.
- Cooperate in reintegration (work trial, therapy).
- Undergo IBA assessment.
- Report changes (new work).
Tilburg example: Karim, a temp at a warehouse in Reeshof, receives ZW after an injury. Weekly effort declaration required; non-cooperation leads to suspension.
Applying for ZW benefits as a Tilburg resident
- Report illness in writing to employer (within 2 days).
- Apply via werk.nl (using DigiD).
- Attach Tilburg payslips/contracts.
- Assessment within 6-8 weeks.
Backdated from reporting date.
Duration and amount of ZW benefits
Duration: Up to 104 weeks.
Amount: Based on daily wage. For €200: €182 (year 1), €140 (thereafter), after deductions. WW combination (ZWG) possible.
FAQ: Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Tilburg
ZW at end of on-call contract in Tilburg?
Yes, with employment history requirement. UWV reviews your full history.
Temp agency in Tilburg denies entitlement?
Check collective agreement (ABU). No pay = ZW right. Appeal to UWV, or District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda if needed.
Own-risk period for flex workers?
No, but reintegration is mandatory.
Decision period for application?
4-8 weeks. Provisional benefits if delayed.
Tips for flex workers in Tilburg
- Document everything: Keep payslips, contracts, reports.
- Report immediately: Days 1-2, or risk sanctions.
- Seek free advice from Legal Aid Desk Tilburg (call or visit).
- Check Municipality of Tilburg for extra support.
- On rejection: Appeal to UWV, with help from the desk.